OPEN PUBLIC RECORDS

Because You Need to Know
Colorado Public Records

Use this page to find court records, arrest records, and other public records in Colorado. Each section links to the official agency or online tool that holds the records.

⚡ At a Glance

  • State courts: 64 counties across 22 judicial districts
  • Federal courts: 1 U.S. District Court (District of Colorado)
  • Background checks: CBI — Internet Criminal History Check (ICHC)
  • Records law: Colorado Open Records Act (CORA)
How to use this page: Pick the type of record you need below. Court records and arrest records each have their own section with links to the agencies that hold them. Official links go to government websites — not third-party services.

Start here: Choose the type of record you need below, then follow the link to the official source.

What You Can Find Here

⚖️ State and federal court case records
🔍 Arrest records and jail bookings by county
📋 Criminal background checks through CBI
🏛️ Property, vital, and other public records
What you will need:
  • Full name of the person or business
  • Case number, if you have one
  • Approximate date or location of the record

Court Records

Colorado has 64 counties across 22 judicial districts. You can search court cases statewide using the Colorado State Courts — Data Access portal run by the Colorado Judicial Branch. Enter a name or case number to find civil, criminal, and domestic case records.

County-level court records include district courts, county courts, and municipal courts. Most courts participate in the statewide data access program, though Denver County court records are not included in the statewide system and must be searched separately.

Federal Courts

Federal cases in Colorado are handled by one U.S. District Court:

  • District of Colorado — Denver (covers the entire state)

Federal court records are available through the PACER system. Some records can be viewed at no cost at federal courthouse public terminals.

⚖️ Colorado State Courts — Data Access (Statewide Search) 🏛️ Colorado Judicial Branch Website

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Colorado are created and held by the agency that made the arrest — either a city police department, county sheriff's office, or state agency. To get a copy of an arrest report, contact the arresting agency directly. Most agencies accept requests in writing, by email, or through a public records portal.

For statewide criminal history, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) operates the Internet Criminal History Check (ICHC). You can request a name-based Colorado criminal history check online. There is a fee for the search.

🔍 CBI — Internet Criminal History Check (ICHC) 📋 CBI — Records and Background Checks

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Other Public Records

Colorado operates under the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA). Any person can request government records in writing. Requests go to the agency that holds the records. Agencies must respond within 3 working days.

How to file a request: Write to the government body that holds the records. Include your name, contact information, and a clear description of what records you want. Requests can be sent by mail, email, fax, or hand-delivered. No special form is required.

How Records Work in Colorado

Court records are maintained at the county level by each county's clerk of court. Criminal history is centralized through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. Arrest records stay with the arresting agency unless submitted to the state system.

Many records are available online for free. Certified copies, background checks, and some older records may require a fee or in-person visit.

Counties in Colorado

Colorado has 64 counties. Select one below to find local court, arrest, and public records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on publicly available information from Colorado state agencies and federal courts.

How do I search court records in Colorado for free?
Use the Colorado State Courts — Data Access portal. It covers records from most counties statewide, though Denver County court records must be searched separately.
Are arrest records public in Colorado?
Yes. Arrest records are public under the Colorado Open Records Act. Contact the arresting agency directly — city police, county sheriff, or state agency — to request a copy.
How do I run a background check in Colorado?
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation offers the Internet Criminal History Check (ICHC), a name-based Colorado criminal history search available online. There is a fee for the search.
What is the Colorado Open Records Act?
It is the state law that gives the public the right to access government records. You can submit a written request to any state or local government body. Agencies must respond within 3 working days. The Colorado Attorney General's office oversees disputes. More info at coag.gov.
How many court systems does Colorado have?
Colorado has a unified court system organized into 22 judicial districts: district courts, county courts, municipal courts, the Court of Appeals, and the Colorado Supreme Court. Each county has a clerk of court who maintains records at the local level.
What this page does not show: Not all records are available online. Some require a written request, an in-person visit, or a fee. Court records and arrest data may be incomplete, delayed, or not yet entered into online systems.

This page is a guide to help you find official records — it is not the official database. All information comes from government sources. Verify details directly with the agency that holds the records.

Last updated: April 15, 2026